Even the most bright eyed and bushy tailed of the ARKive team are beginning to show looks of fear as the imminent deadline for their favourite species draws closer. Last week we marvelled at the magnificent scarlet macaw with Liz Shaw, which species is our staff member going ape for this week?

Why? I’ve always loved sloths, they are so calm and appear to take everything in their stride. They seem really loving and on most pictures I have ever seen of them they are cuddling up to each other with what looks like a big smile on their face. As they are covered in algae they may not actually be too pleasant to cuddle in real life! I also like how peaceful they are, using camouflage and stillness in order to protect themselves from predators rather than violent conflict.

Favourite image on ARKive?

Pygmy three-toed sloth in arboreal habitat

The pygmy three-toed sloth is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Threats to this species include illegal hunting and the degradation of its habitat due to visitors to Isla Escudo de Veraguas, the island to which this species is endemic.